Sigma Nu - Theta Xi

  We’ve put together this timeline to explain the process of rush and to provide a detailed description of all the steps.  While rush may appear different for each fraternity, everyone must follow these basic steps mandated by our governing body here at Virginia Tech.  It may seem like a lot,  but we’ve broken it down in its entirety to better inform you.  All the info you need to successfully rush is contained on this page and if you still have questions after reading this, feel free to shoot us an email and we’ll straighten things out.  

Rush 
  
  Rush is a period at the beginning of each Fall and Spring semester in which fraternities put on a sort of open house for prospective members.  Each fraternity will host a variety of events to showcase their brotherhood and to try and get to know you, the rushee.  This is also an opportunity for you to gain insight into each fraternity and learn more about whom they are and what they do.  The Rush period lasts approximately two weeks.  Check our Recruitment and Event Calendar pages for dates and activities.

 

 

Rush Ends
  
  Now that the Rush period is over, what happens next? Fraternities will now extend invitations to prospective rushes to continue on to the next stage.   Often times, you will receive bids from more than one fraternity.  It’s important to note, that while you may receive an invite, you are under no obligation to join any organization.  Your invitation is your ticket to the next phase: closed rush.

 

 Closed Rush

  After successfully going through the rush period, you will be invited to participate in a more formal event.  Closed rush consists of a personal interview with several members of the Chapter along with getting to know more details about the rest of the fraternity.  Closed rush is, in essence, the last chance the rushee and fraternity have to evaluate each other.  You may receive invites from more than one fraternity, that’s ok, but you must attend this event for each fraternity you are considering joining.  Closed rush typically occurs on a Sunday immediately following the end of rush.  This is a formal event, so shirt and tie are required.  Events will be different for each chapter, so contact the Rush Chairman for further details. 

 

Bid Handout 
  
  The Monday following closed rush is known as bid handout.  At this time, fraternities will gather on campus and personally deliver bids – invitations for membership – to rushesthat they would like to have as brothers.  Rushes are generally required to be in their dorm room or apartment for a two hour period while this takes place.  You may receive several bids from different fraternities as with closed rush, but at this point, its decision time.  Carefully weigh all the pros and cons for each organization and decide which fits best for you.  Remember, rush is only two weeks a semester, examine what each group will be like without the glitz and glamour and what they have to offer throughout your college career. Your choice may be Sigma Nu, or it may not be.

 Potential New Member Meeting

  Between bid handout and bid acceptance, the Interfraternity Council (IFC) requires all men who received a bid to attend a meeting prior to accepting bids.  This is mandatory, no exceptions.  Someone who offers you a bid should give you the details, if not make sure to ask.

 Bid Acceptance

  After deciding which fraternity you will accept a bid from, most will have some sort of formal gathering of which you can tell the fraternity in person your intentions.  However, you do not have to accept a bid, you can defer.  The bid is still good for the following semester should you have concerns or other reasons to delay acceptance.  Talk with the Rush Chairman for further details.

 Pledging

  Pledging is the process of actually joining the fraternity. It encompasses a variety of topics and events, of which will make you aware of the customs and traditions of each chapter.

 Brotherhood

  Congratulations! That’s it, you did it.   You now have the rest of your life to enjoy it.